# Chapter 43 explained — Barnaby Rudge

> Chapter companion for Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Mr. Haredale maintains a nightly vigil at the widow's house, watching for something unknown. Weeks pass with no change. One evening, he encounters a mob in Westminster, where he confronts Lord George Gordon and Gashford, denouncing their anti-Catholic rhetoric. The crowd turns violent, and Haredale is struck by a stone.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Injustice and Class

Haredale, a Catholic gentleman, faces persecution and mob violence despite his status, highlighting the injustice of the penal laws and religious bigotry.

### Mob Violence and Chaos

The crowd's reaction to Haredale's confrontation escalates from muttering to stone-throwing, illustrating the volatile and dangerous nature of the mob.

### Manipulation and Exploitation

Gashford and Sir John Chester manipulate Lord George Gordon's fervor, using the mob for their own ends while appearing innocent.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Geoffrey Haredale

Keeps a nightly vigil at the widow's house, showing unwavering resolve. Confronts Lord George Gordon and Gashford in Westminster Hall, and is struck by a stone thrown by the mob.

### Gashford

Present with Lord George Gordon, appears restless and cringing. Haredale accuses him of a criminal past and servile treachery.

### Sir John Chester

Observes the confrontation with a sweet demeanor, subtly encouraging the tension and smiling at the crowd's behavior.

### Lord George Gordon

Leads the mob in Westminster, speaking violently against Catholics. Dismisses Haredale's accusations and departs with Gashford.

## Key lines

> Next morning brought no satisfaction to the locksmith's thoughts, nor next day, nor the next, nor many others.

The following days brought no relief to the locksmith's troubled mind.

_The narrator describes the lingering unease and lack of resolution._

> The slightest noise without doors, caught his ear; a step upon the pavement seemed to make his heart leap.

Even the faintest sound outside made him start, and a footstep on the street made his heart race.

_Haredale's heightened alertness during his vigil._

> I hope there is but one gentleman in England who, addressing an ignorant and excited throng, would speak of a large body of his fellow-subjects in such injurious language as I heard this moment.

I trust that no other gentleman in England would address an ignorant mob with such offensive words about a large group of his fellow citizens.

_Haredale rebukes Lord George Gordon for his inflammatory speech._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-43
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters